Call to ban smoking in cars

Health expert says smoking should be banned in cars, particularly when children are present

26 September 2006
Smokers could soon find themselves the target of another ban.

A world-first study of smoking in cars shows it is likely to be a significant source of second-hand smoke exposure.

The Wellington School of Medicine observed more than 16,000 cars and found more the four percent were being smoked in and around a quarter of those cars had at least one other occupant.

Author of the study Dr Nick Wilson says we should look at following other countries in banning smoking in cars, particularly when children are present. He says smoking in cars is a genuine health hazard and people should be concerned.

He says 95 percent of the smoking was by drivers, so this also raises questions of road safety. Dr Wilson says smoke levels in cars have been found to be higher than in smoky pubs or restaurants.

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